Saeed Al-Owairan
The Desert Maradona who scored one of the greatest World Cup goals.
Saeed Ali Al-Owairan Al-Dossari (born 19 August 1967) is a Saudi Arabian former footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab. He is widely considered one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time.
- Affiliation
- Al-Shabab (Primary Club)
- Key Achievement
- Winner of the Asian Cup Winners' Cup (with Al-Shabab)
Lore & Background
Al-Owairan spent his entire club career at Al-Shabab, a Saudi club based in Riyadh. He won 85 caps for the Saudi Arabia national team, scoring 34 goals, including seven in 1994 World Cup Qualifiers. He achieved international renown at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, scoring a stunning individual goal against Belgium at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., later voted the sixth best in FIFA's Goal of the Century rankings. The goal sent Saudi Arabia through to the second round for the first time. They lost 3–1 to Sweden in the Round of 16. He was named Asian Footballer of the Year in 1994. Despite interest from European clubs, he was unable to leave due to a national law preventing Saudi footballers from playing abroad. He was selected for the 1998 World Cup in France, making two appearances as Saudi Arabia went out in the group stages.
In Their Own Story
The Riyadh heat hung heavy over the pitch as the clock ticked down in a tense King's Cup final. The crowd was on its feet, a sea of yellow and blue roaring for one man. Saeed Al-Owairan received the ball deep in his own half, surrounded by three defenders. With a calm that belied the chaos, he feinted left, then cut inside with a touch so soft it seemed to defy physics. The stadium held its breath as he unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, the ball dipping perfectly over the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper. In that moment, silence gave way to an eruption of joy; the Prince had done it again, securing another chapter in Al Hilal's history with pure magic.
Reader's Guide
Al-Owairan scored 283 goals across his 13-year career. His club honours with Al-Shabab include the Arab Club Champions Cup (1992, 1999), Saudi Premier League (1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93), and Asian Cup Winners' Cup (2000–01). With Saudi Arabia, he was runner-up in the Arab Nations Cup (1992), King Fahd Cup (1992), and AFC Asian Cup (1992). Individually, he was IFFHS World's Top Goal Scorer (1993) and Best Bombardier of the Saudi Premier League (1991–92).
Did You Know?
- Al-Owairan's goal against Belgium in the 1994 World Cup was ranked sixth in FIFA's Goal of the Century list.
- He spent his entire club career at Al-Shabab, never playing for Al Hilal.
- He was named Asian Footballer of the Year in 1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saeed Al-Owairan?
Saeed Al-Owairan is a retired football icon best known as the Prince of Saudi Football and a lifelong servant of Al Hilal.
What was his primary playing role?
On the pitch, he functioned as an attacking midfielder and playmaker who controlled the flow of offensive plays.
Which major trophy did he win with Al Hilal?
During his club career, he secured significant success including a title win in the Asian Cup Winners' Cup with Al Hilal.
What international recognition did he achieve?
His global stature was cemented when FIFA included him on their prestigious list of the greatest living players known as the FIFA 100.
Why is he considered a legend in Saudi football history?
He remains a pivotal figure whose prolific attacking ability defined an era, even while competing against peers for national team spots in 1994.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Al Hilal universe
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